Do NOT Go Natural If….

Do NOT Go Natural If….

Lets face it; what works for some, may not work for others. Before starting a natural hair journey, you will need to take a few things into consideration. What should you expect?  Take a good long look in the mirror, ask yourself if you are really ready, this is a long term commitment.  There will be days when things are out of control, can you deal with that? If you love pin straight hair all the time, if you are a control freak, if you cannot imagine life without the salon, if you are looking for the easy way out,  if you are impulsive, put the scissors down, you may not be ready to go natural. This journey is not for the faint of heart. Ok I’m being a little dramatic, but really, don’t go natural if…..

You’re A Control Freak

Do you obsess in the mirror, creating perfectly uniformed sections? Primping for hours to ensure each strand is in it’s place? Chances are your hair will not grow into perfectly uniformed ringlets. If you must have absolute control over every strand of hair on your head, this journey will be difficult. Natural kinky hair is notorious for its resistance to, well, anything. Kinky hair tends to do what it wants. Even when you straighten it, your hair will curl back, sometimes immediately. Kinky hair tends to grow in an upward direction. If you prefer your hair to lay down 24/7/365, natural hair may be difficult to maintain for you. There will be bad hair days in the future. There will be frizz, and tangles, and days with limp curls. If this does not scare you, but excite you, then take the snip!

You Love Pin Straight Hair

If all you ever want is pin straight hair, going natural is not the best way to keep straight hair. With the slightest bit of moisture, your hair will revert. Constant heat to flatten curls will only lead to heat damage. Natural hair is more work to keep straight when compared to relaxed hair. Even if you take hours to straighten your hair, the style may be ruined by the rain, or humid weather. If you are looking for versatility, and enjoy wearing your hair in various textures, going natural may be for you. Natural hair is versatile, from straight, to waves, coils, and puffs, and back again! One thing natural curly hair is not, -  pin straight all the time.

Looking For an Easy Way Out?

If you were looking to go natural because it seems ‘easier’, you will be disappointed. Many curly girls spend hours detangling, washing, conditioning, and styling their hair each week. Providing your hair with vital nutrients, and moisture on wash day will prevent damage.  Damaged hair lacks shine, and can be harder to style than healthy hair. Healthy hair tends to frizz less, and sheds less. If you are not serious about healthy hair, your journey will be difficult.  Maintaining healthy curls is not difficult, but it can be more time consuming than relaxed hair. While there are many cosmetologist that are trained, and experienced with relaxed hair, many curly girls often complain of difficulty finding a good hairdresser who can care for their curls, & style their hair. Because of this, many take hair care and styling into their own hands. All of this leads me to believe  that natural hair is NOT the easier option.

Natural hair is work! Damaged hair is even more work! When you develop a healthy hair regimen at home, you will notice your new growth is thicker, shiny, and healthy. It takes additional effort to hide frazzled ends, and detangle breaking hair. It takes more time to style damaged hair, in an effort to make it ‘look good’. Healthy hair always looks good. Never let a hairstyle trump your hair’s health.  Always opt for styles that limit stress on the hair and scalp. If you use color, be sure to step up your moisture regimen to combat dryness, and eventual breakage.  Good hair is healthy hair

Moody Mess

Don’t you dare big chop out of emotion. Are you emotional , and holding a pair of sissors?  Don’t Do it! (Not just yet) Research, and be prepared for the journey you are about to go on. No turning back after the first snip. You don’t want to be faced with “I cut my hair, Now What?!” To avoid this, be prepared and research before cutting your hair! You may want to transition for a few weeks and learn what your new growth likes.  Look into different styles, & research various products. Because your hair is void of chemicals, it may react differently to products  you used to love. 9 times out of 10, you will be tossing the products you swore by when your hair was relaxed. Don’t fear, there are so many products on the market for curls take your time, and test the products on your transition strands. If you loved it on your new growth, it may make your curls pop after you big chop! It is just hair, but why make an emotional decision you may regret, or may not be ready for. If you are upset and just reached for the scissors, put them down, and instead, pick up a tablet and research first. If you are upset try natural stress relievers like a message, a warm bath, a good run, or vibe out to your favorite playlist.  After you are calm, and you are still looking for a fresh start, and a new look, then go for it, and enjoy the journey!